First-Time DUI

Bakersfield First-Time DUI Lawyer

Defending Clients Charged With Their First DUI in Kern County 

Motorists who are arrested for drunk driving in the state of California can face severe penalties, even for a first-time offense. Police officers can show that you are under the influence of alcohol through a sobriety test or chemical test. 

However, no matter how serious your case may be, our seasoned California first offense DUI attorney can defend you. At Middlebrook & Associates, we make it a priority to fight tirelessly fight your first-time DUI charge to try and minimize the damage it can have on you and your future. 

Call Middlebrook & Associates today at (661) 874-1325 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our first-time DUI attorney in Bakersfield!

DUI Laws in California

Understanding the DUI laws in California is crucial for anyone facing a first-time DUI charge. In the state, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, for drivers under the age of 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to DUI charges. Additionally, California has an implied consent law, meaning that drivers automatically consent to a chemical test for alcohol or drugs if lawfully arrested for DUI.

California's DUI laws are stringent, and law enforcement is vigilant in enforcing them. At Middlebrook & Associates, we stay abreast of the latest legal developments to provide you with the most effective defense tailored to your unique situation.

What are the Penalties for a First-Time DUI in California?

If you are convicted of your first DUI charge in California, several penalties will be imposed.

For just your first offense, you could face:

Strict drunk driving laws exist for drivers who are under the age of 21. Individuals in these categories can be charged with an underage DUI with a blood alcohol concentration level of 0.01%. As for drivers under the age of 18, a "no tolerance" law exists.

With California's implied consent law, drivers who refuse to submit to a chemical test are subject to a fine and automatic license suspension. A one-year driver's license suspension can be imposed for a first offense of refusing to submit.

How Likely is Jail Time for a First-Time DUI in California?

The likelihood of jail time for a first DUI offense in California depends on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the DUI offense and the judge's discretion. In California, a first DUI offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor, and the penalties can include fines, license suspension, probation, and mandatory participation in a DUI education program. Jail time is practically mandatory for people convicted of a DUI. Even if it is your first offense and no one was injured, a judge can sentence you to six months in jail.

Defenses Against First-Time DUI Charges

At Middlebrook & Associates, we understand that each DUI case is unique, and we approach the defense with a tailored strategy. Some common defenses against first DUI charges include:

  • Improper Stop or Arrest: If law enforcement lacked sufficient probable cause for your stop or arrest, this could be a pivotal factor in constructing a robust defense.
  • Faulty Breathalyzer or Blood Test: A common defense strategy is challenging the chemical tests' accuracy. Our team will thoroughly examine the procedures followed during testing to identify any potential errors or inconsistencies.
  • Rising Blood Alcohol Content (BAC): We might assert that your BAC was below the legal limit when you were driving, and it only exceeded the unlawful threshold by the time the chemical test was administered.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions or medications can affect the results of a DUI test. Our attorneys will explore whether such factors played a role in your case.
  • Illegal Search and Seizure: If evidence was acquired through an unlawful search and seizure, there may be grounds to have that evidence excluded, significantly affecting the prosecution's case.

Contact Our Bakersfield First-Time DUI Attorney Today

Facing a first-time DUI charge in Bakersfield demands the expertise of seasoned legal professionals. Middlebrook & Associates is here to provide you with a robust defense, leveraging our extensive experience in DUI law. Our commitment is to protect your rights, minimize the impact of the charges on your life, and seek the best possible resolution for your case. 

Contact Middlebrook & Associates today to schedule a meeting with our first-time DUI lawyer in Bakersfield!

Why Choose Middlebrook & Associates?

  • 38 Years of Collective Legal Experience
  • Over 250 DUI Trials Handled - With a 97.4% Success Rate
  • Handled More Than 8,500 DMV Hearings in Kern County
  • Expert Member of California DUI Lawyers Association
  • ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer - Scientist Designation
  • AV Rated by martindale.com - Leading Authority on Attorney Ratings
  • Teaches Lawyers & Scientists - DUIDLA, American Academy of Forensic Science & American Chemical Society
  • Founding & Board Member - DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
  • Top 100 Lawyers in America - DUI Defense

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Client Testimonials Hear from Real People Who We've Helped
  • “Highly professional and effective.”
    I'm a civil trial lawyer practicing in another state. In 2020, after a questionable traffic stop, my daughter was arrested for DUI. Our family engaged Middlebrook & Associates to assist her. They identified weaknesses in the State's case and formulated a trial strategy. While waiting for trial, they prevailed in the administrative proceeding, allowing my daughter to retain her driver's license. On the first day of trial, I could tell Middlebrook & Associates had the respect of the trial judge and prosecutor. They developed an excellent rapport with the jury and demonstrated deep understanding of the science related to DUI cases. Their cross-examination of the arresting officer was respectful yet effective. The jury acquitted my daughter on one charge and deadlocked on the other, leading to an acceptable plea agreement and eventual dismissal and expungement of all charges. We are very grateful to Middlebrook & Associates for their highly professional handling of our daughter's case. I highly recommend them.
    - Ken I.
  • “Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with.”
    Mr. Middlebrook is the most knowledgeable attorney I have ever worked with. He is honest and attentive to your individual needs. I would never consider going with anyone else, and feel safe and secure in knowing that he is handling my case. I am completely confident that he is THE expert and knows all the ins and outs of the legal process. There are a lot of lawyers out there that will tell you what you want to hear, but Richard is upfront and will tell you what you can expect. He is a genuine person and undeniably, the best asset you can have for your legal matters!
    - Anonymous
  • “If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.”
    I was arrested for driving under the influence. After meeting with several lawyers, I retained Mr. Middlebrook to represent me. He took the time to listen and his advice and counsel was more than I could have asked for. Not only did he get my case dismissed, his fees were fair too. I have since referred my friend to Mr. Middlebrook and his case was dismissed too. If I am ever in need of an attorney again, there is no doubt I would hire Mr. Middlebrook's firm.
    - J.T.
  • “After a recent successful result against the DMV, Judge Thomas Clark had this to say about our own Mr. Richard Middlebrook:”
    [T]he Court is aware of (and takes notice of) Mr. Middlebrook’s special knowledge and skill in this specialized area of the law, his nationwide reputation and the demand for his services on a national basis and recognizes that those factors increase the reasonable value of his time when applied to a case of this nature with the far-reaching implications implicit in this case. Taking those factors into account, the Court finds that $750 is a reasonable hourly rate for Mr. Middlebrook's services on this particular case."
    - Judge Thomas Clark

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